Maybe it has been a few years since you boarded an airplane. Perhaps this is your first flight ever. Regardless, there have been changes in recent years due to stricter security measures since the attacks on 9/11. The economy has also changed the way airlines now operate.

1. What You Should Know Before You Take a Flight

2. Maybe it has been a few years since you boarded an airplane. Perhaps this is your first flight ever. Regardless, there have been changes in recent years due to stricter security measures since the attacks on 9/11. The economy has also changed the way airlines now operate.

3. Besides new fees and airline procedures, there are some basics that you should learn prior to going on your trip. Before you take flight, here is what you should know: Meals cost money. If you have not been on a plane in quite a few years, you might be surprised to find out that your breakfast or lunch is no longer included in your airfare.

4. If you choose to have a meal provided by the airline, be prepared to pay. If you want to bring your own food onto the plane to avoid buying a meal, you should also know that there are restrictions on the amount liquids you are allowed to bring with you.

5. The Transportation Security Administration created the 3-1-1 for carry-ons rule that you should familiarize yourself with to prevent any hassles before boarding. There are exceptions for baby bottles. There is a fee for booking a flight over the phone.

6. Most airlines now charge up to $35 when you decide to speak to a live person instead of going online for a flight reservation. In order to avoid an unnecessary fee, do not pick up the phone to reserve a ticket. You are far better off going to an online travel site like Travelocity or Expedia, or going directly to the airline’s website.

7. What you wear helps you go through the security line faster. Due to added security measures since 9/11, you have to take your shoes off when going through security checkpoints. Therefore, it is best to wear shoes that easily slide off, or can be tied and untied quickly. Do not wear boots or sandals that take a while to strap on and off.

8. Wear just a light jacket or one sweater because you also have to remove additional layers of clothing. If you think you need a lot of layers, throw them in your carry-on ahead of time so they are available to you when you feel a chill coming on.

9. Also, do not wear a large amount of jewelry because you will need to take them all off when you go through the metal detector. You can visit the Transportation Security Administration website for more helpful travel tips.

10. You can purchase flight travel insurance in case of injury or death while on board. Most people are unaware that this type of insurance exists, and it is important to know that there is flight travel insurance, not just standard life insurance, for those who need to travel for any reason.

11. Flight accident insurance protects your family in the event of accidental death, loss of a limb, or loss of eyesight while on an airplane. Although it is usually safe to travel by plane, it is wise to take the precautionary measure of purchasing the right flight accident insurance plan for you and your family.

12. Just like you purchase car insurance in case of an automobile accident, you can purchase insurance specific to air travel as well. Also keep in mind that there are fees for extra carry-on luggage, and in 2011, airlines might again increase their fare and add other charges.

13. If you are traveling overseas, it is imperative that you find out the travel warnings and advisories for the country you are visiting. The United States issues these warnings in order to safeguard its citizens from any possible dangers such as riots and terrorist attacks.

14. Before you board the plane, be prepared for any kind of unexpected events such as cancellations, bad weather, or possibly lost luggage.

15. Do what you can to have a comfortable, safe, and hassle-free flight.

16. For more information about flight travel insuranceand flight accident insurance, please check out www.zflightinsurance.com